Chapter 574: Everyone's Respect, the Elves and Dwarves' Strange Competition
The lingering tension from Hancock's previous remarks faded quickly as Lucifer naturally shifted the conversation, asking Aragorn about the harrowing journey his fellowship had endured. Before the Ranger could answer, the chime of the restaurant door announced new arrivals. Yakumo Yukari stepped inside, flanked by Ran and Reimu. Noticeably absent was a certain unscrupulous magician, who had supposedly stayed behind to research her spells.
Yukari's gaze swept over the four newcomers, her eyes lighting up with mild surprise. "Oh? They look like men who carry quite a heavy story," she remarked, snapping her folding fan open. "You see, Ran? This simply proves my sleep schedule is highly scientific."
Ran kept her expression perfectly neutral, though her inner voice screamed, 'Lady Yukari! Your sleep schedule might be scientific, but Reimu's and my stomachs are completely empty!'
Reimu had reached some sort of unspoken agreement with the gap youkai. In short, Yukari was treating the shrine maiden to meals at Shop Ren three times a week. Naturally, Reimu tagged along today. While the official quota was three, Yukari's whimsical mood often meant a few extra free meals.
Sensing a juicy piece of gossip, Reimu and Yukari ordered the sweet and sour pork ribs, planning to eat and listen. Ran opted for the spicy numbing chicken and a generous portion of fried tofu. The nine-tailed fox could never resist fried tofu.
After Ren retreated to the kitchen, Yukari smiled warmly at the Fellowship. "What kind of story? I would love to hear it."
Reimu shot her a grumpy side-glance. "Yukari, you really never speak up when Shopkeeper Ren is actually standing right here, do you?"
Yukari's elegant composure faltered for a fraction of a second, but she stubbornly raised her chin. "I did speak! I placed my order!"
Reimu merely clicked her tongue. "Tsk..."
Aragorn began to recount the War of the Ring in a quiet, measured tone. Reimu and the others gradually fell silent, drawn completely into the narrative. Legolas, Gimli, and Gandalf occasionally interjected to clarify a detail or add perspective. It was a clear demonstration of Aragorn's innate leadership; his ability such a sprawling, desperate conflict was masterful.
The entire table listened in rapt attention. They could almost see the desolate ash of Mordor, the towering shadows, and the desperate last stands. Words like tragic, heroic, perilous, and terrifying flooded their minds.
A deep sense of admiration swelled within the listeners. For the first time, Hancock felt absolutely zero malice toward a man other than Ren. She felt only pure, unadulterated respect. This was a king who had bled to save his world. Devil Fruit powers or not, Hancock was still human at her core. Recognizing true greatness was perfectly natural.
Riven was perhaps the most deeply shaken. Hearing of the Fellowship's monumental sacrifices made her realize just how naive her own ambitions were. The thought that she alone could change the brutal, sprawling war machine of Noxus felt foolishly small now. Aragorn and his companions had wagered their very souls for peace. Yet, beneath the crushing weight of that realization, a quiet joy bloomed in Riven's chest. She was human, and she could recognize the sacred beauty of fighting to protect others. She felt incredibly fortunate to finally have something of her own to protect.
Yukari let out a soft, elegant sigh. "A tragic history... but thankfully, humanity claimed victory over Sauron in the end. Though those poor Hobbits bore far too heavy a burden."
Aragorn nodded slowly. "Yes. Those four Hobbits are the true heroes of Middle-earth. They deserve to be remembered for all of time."
Lucifer swirled her drink, her tone carrying a rare solemnity. "A tragic victory that ushers in a new era. Aragorn, you must fiercely guard this peace. It was bought with the blood of countless souls."
"I will," Aragorn replied, his voice thick with resolve. "Shopkeeper Ren once shared a deep truth with me: 'He who wears the crown must bear its weight.' I intend to hold myself to that exact standard."
Riven lowered her gaze. "Noxus is a human empire as well... so why must it be so endlessly heartless?"
Before Aragorn could ask about her homeland, the rhythmic squeak of a dining cart broke the heavy atmosphere. Ren approached with a warm, easy smile, instantly pulling the group out of their melancholy.
"It seems you've been waiting a while," Ren said smoothly. "First up, we have the Brazilian barbecue, Wensi tofu soup, West Lake vinegar fish, Burgundy beef stew, and green papaya salad. I didn't stick strictly to Chinese cuisine for you four; I figured a diverse mix would be more welcoming."
Aragorn inhaled deeply, a broad smile breaking across his weathered face. "I have no idea what Chinese food entails, but the aroma alone is intoxicating."
Legolas shared the sentiment. Staring at the vibrant, steaming spread, the usually composed elf felt his stomach rumble. Gimli, however, had entirely lost his patience.
Ren quickly demonstrated the proper way to hold and drink from the wine glasses, then invited them to dig in. He handed Gimli the massive bottle of high-proof liquor the dwarf had been practically vibrating over. Gimli cradled it like an overgrown child receiving the ultimate toy. With a polite "Please enjoy," Ren stepped away to prepare Yukari's order.
Aragorn raised his glass. "Come, my friends. Let us toast to our victory."
Legolas held his delicate wine glass with visible excitement. Only Gimli sat there clutching an entire bottle by the neck, creating a stark, comical contrast. Glasses clinked, and the Fellowship took their first sip of the red wine.
Legolas, Aragorn, and Gandalf froze. They exchanged wide-eyed glances. Aragorn simply smiled and nodded in approval.
"The grapes used for this are extraordinary," Legolas murmured in awe. "I detect distinct woody and nutty notes, followed by a faint, elegant hint of tobacco on the finish. What manner of fruit is this?"
Gandalf stroked his beard, nodding in agreement. "I must confess, I have never tasted a vintage quite like this. It is exquisite, and it only makes me more eager to sample the feast before us."
Aragorn turned to speak, only to find Gimli sitting in absolute silence, his knuckles white as he gripped his bottle.
"Gimli?" Aragorn asked, blinking in confusion. "What is the matter?"
Gimli exhaled a long, ragged breath but said nothing. He simply stared at the clear liquid inside the glass bottle. After a long, tense moment, he tapped the glass with a thick finger. "Honestly... this stuff is stronger than the most violent dwarven spirits I have ever swallowed. I thought my throat had caught fire."
"Yet your expression suggests you want another round," Aragorn noted dryly.
Gimli burst into booming laughter. "A brave dwarf is never defeated by a mere drink! I swear to you, this liquor is vicious, but it is a masterpiece. If I were marching into the frozen wastes, a single bottle of this could keep me warm for an age!"
Legolas tilted his head, genuinely curious. "Is it truly that potent?"
Gimli grinned wickedly. "Come, come! Let us swap and find out."
Legolas extended his delicate wine glass. Gimli tipped his head back and poured the refined red wine down his throat, smacking his lips loudly. "Sweet. But mine has the real kick! Here, try it!"
Treating the bottle like a sacred relic, Gimli carefully poured a tiny measure into the elf's glass. Legolas sighed at the dwarf's antics. He brought the glass to his nose and immediately frowned at the overpowering, harsh fumes. Steeling his nerves, the elf threw it back in one gulp.
"Cough! Cough! Cough!"
Legolas hacked, his eyes watering instantly as the liquid fire scorched his throat.
Gimli slapped the table, roaring with laughter. "Hahaha! You cannot handle it either! Hahahaha!"
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